A review by beanwa
Tell Me I'm Worthless by Alison Rumfitt

challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Wow. This is one of the most unique books I've ever read. It's weird and violent, a meditation and expression of trauma and fascism. I especially loved how the author wrote Ila, I felt it was an almost compassionate portrayal of a TERF - which I found really compelling.

This would be a 5⭐️ read for me but I did have a few problems with the book.
Mostly that I felt Alice's character was kind of weak. It's later revealed that she's racist, but I didn't really feel like that was properly set up at the start in part one. I also didn't feel super convinced by Ila discovering he's trans. In the sense that I found it a bit on the nose (re: TERFs are closeted trans men) slash not really set up well at the start of the book.
I was also a bit underwhelmed by the ending - though I did like
that the House continues to haunt, even after it's been burnt to the ground.


That all being said, I really enjoyed the writing and how unique and different this book is. I also LOVED the characterisation of the house. So compelling and interesting and spooky!

Overall, I had a few qualms with this book BUT that didn't stop me from loving it! If you enjoy weird reads, you'll likely love this. It is VERY violent and disturbing though. Antisemitism, transphobia, sexual assault, self-harm and body horror abound - so proceed with care.
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